Ottar Ness

Ottar Ness is a Professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), leading the NTNU WellFare Nordic Research Center for Wellbeing and Social Sustainability. He holds additional roles as Professor 2 at the University of Agder (Institute for Psychosocial Health) and Honorary Professor at Aalborg University (Department of Communication and Psychology). His research focuses on the interplay between mattering, social justice, and wellbeing, emphasizing actionable solutions for public sector innovation and recovery-oriented mental health services.

Educationally qualified with a cand.polit in educational psychology, PhD in social psychology, and extensive training in family therapy, Ness bridges academic theory with practical implementation. His work spans qualitative research methodologies, relational welfare systems, and co-creation strategies for sustainable welfare development.

Ness’s research interests center on social inclusion, recovery processes, public health innovation, and relational values in service design. His recent articles explore youth social inclusion challenges, mental health recovery programs, and systemic barriers faced by marginalized groups. He co-edits the Tidsskrift for livskvalitet og bærekraftig velferdsutvikling and actively supervises PhD/Master’s students in related fields.

Key contributions include developing the BIKVA quality improvement model and leading action research initiatives to transform mental health services. His work emphasizes community-centered approaches, peer involvement, and policy frameworks promoting equitable wellbeing economies.